Back to Mac: Student Guide to Winter 2022

This winter, McMaster will be welcoming students, faculty and staff back to campus incrementally, alignment with the latest government and public health measures. This guide is intended to provide key information and resources you will need to come on-site for work. 

Preparing to return to campus

• Read the plan for the incremental return of in-person learning and working.  
• All McMaster’s community members are asked to review and comply with the provincial government’s current guidelines for isolation.   
• Complete the mandatory Back to Mac COVID-19 training. 
• Plan for how you’ll get to campus, including applying for or renewing a full-time parking pass, researching public transit schedules or looking into bike racks and secure bike storage options. 
• Read McMaster’s COVID safety strategy, including measures in areas like ventilation, cleaning, masking and vaccination.  
• We encourage our community to get their third COVID-19 dose. Information on boosters and where to book an appointment available here. 

Before coming to campus each day

• Bring your mask. General information on masking can be found here. 
• Use MacCheck before coming to campus to complete your daily health screening. A green check mark means you are clear to attend a McMaster site that day.

While on campus

• Keep at least 2 metres distance from others except in designated instructional areas such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries.
• Wear your mask covering your nose, mouth and chin.
• Sanitize your hands when entering a building and follow safety signs on campus.
• Follow the guidelines for spaces and eating on campus. 

Need to self-isolate?

• Report to the university through Mosaic if you test positive for COVID-19 on a rapid test or a PCR test and have attended a McMaster location in the past 14 days.
• Follow the province’s current isolation guidelines. 
• Students are encouraged to use the McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF) through Mosaic if their screening results recommend that they isolate and are not permitted to come to campus.  
  • For Winter 2022 term, the MSAF will cover missed work for up to 5 days. 
  • Students will be able to access any additional MSAF forms through their Faculty Academic Advising Office if they need to miss additional class time due to illness, isolation or other personal reasons.  

Additional resources

• Issues with your MACID or email? Contact University Technology Services.  
• Have questions about tuition, fees or enrolment? Contact the Registrar’s Office.  
• Need help with your course schedule or have other academic questions? Reach out to your Faculty’s advising office or the Student Success Centre for support.  
• Feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed by the transition? The Student Wellness Centre has resources that can help.  
• Experiencing a financial emergency? Reach out to Student Services for support.  
• International travel questions? International Student Services is here for you.  
• Looking for information and resources for grad students? Check out the Grad Studies website